Postdoctoral Research Associate

The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Dr Jess Tyrrell. This MRC funded post is available on a fixed term contract from 01/05/2023 until 30/04/2026. The successful applicant will be part of an MRC funded project to improve clinical care and outcomes for patients with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and major depressive disorder (MDD) by combining genetic and epidemiological approaches within large-scale datasets. The post holder will focus on identifying the causal pathways and consequences of T2D and MDD. This will involve the use of Mendelian Randomisation (MR) methods in the UK Biobank and GWAS summary statistics to improve our understanding of the relationships between T2D and MDD.

The project will involve:

• Identification of causal pathways between T2D and MDD and associated outcomes (e.g. glucose levels; treatment resistant depression etc.) using a range of MR methods.
• Identification of factors mediating the relationship between T2D and MDD using Genomic Structural Equation Modelling and multivariate MR methods.
• Consideration of the downstream consequences of having both T2D and MDD. Here, interaction models will be used to test if polygenic risk scores for T2D and MDD predict adverse outcomes. MVMR will also be used to test the direct effect of T2D and MDD on the adverse outcomes, whilst accounting for mediators previously identified.

The post will include undertaking world class research and using big data and genetic approaches to provide a step change in our understanding of the relationship between diabetes and depression. You will be expected to lead the analysis, present your findings locally, nationally and internationally, write up research for publication and ensure you are using the most up to date analytical techniques. 

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to perform statistical analyses and work with large datasets.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

For further information please contact Jess Tyrrell, e-mail j.tyrrell@ex.ac.uk.

The closing date for completed applications is 27^th February 2023.  Interviews are expected to take place during w/c 6^th March 2023.

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